Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Property and Equipment (Details Textual)

v2.4.0.8
Property and Equipment (Details Textual) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
Satellites
Mar. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]    
Depreciation expense on property and equipment $ 54,183 $ 54,427
Disposal of property and equipment 3,500 12,656
(Loss) on disposal of assets $ (196) $ (124)
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 10  
Boeing Satellite Systems International [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 4  
Space Systems/Loral [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 6  
Sirius system [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 5  
XM system [Member]
   
Property and equipment (Textual) [Abstract]    
Number of owned satellites 5